RANGERS from Menston are hoping to head for an international

jamboree in Switzerland this summer - but have their fingers crossed that continental foot and mouth disease restrictions do not spoil the trip.

Menston Rangers Jane Finlay and Emma Thurlow have been working hard to raise money for their camping trip in July, but fear any tightening of restrictions could disrupt their travels.

Jane's father, Peter, said the girls and other rangers in the area plan to camp out with hundreds of other rangers and scouts in Interlaken.

Menston guide Jennifer Shutt is also hoping to visit a jamboree in Sweden this year.

Although there are currently no restrictions preventing British holidaymakers travelling in Europe, all guides have been warned their holiday insurance does not cover cancellation because of foot and mouth restrictions.

Mr Finlay said: "There's a little bit of confusion at the moment about the travel arrangements. We're having to re-examine the options."

Baildon Guide Association leader Chris Simpson, who is organising a grand raffle to raise money for the trip, said the girls hoped to travel through a number of countries, experiencing different cultures, as part of the trip.

Mrs Simpson said if there were any travelling restrictions introduced, the girls could instead arrange to fly direct to Switzerland - but this would mean missing out on visiting other countries.

However, she does not believe there will be any tighter foot and mouth restrictions in Europe.

"I don't imagine this happening. I think things are looking much better," she said.

The guides travelling abroad are expected to buy any food they need en route, or when they arrive in Interlaken, so restrictions on taking food abroad do not disrupt the trip.

The girls recently organised a race night to raise money towards the trip, and raised £340 at a sponsored 'bag pack' at Morrison's supermarket, Guiseley, last weekend.

Mrs Simpson is now asking for the donation of prizes for a grand raffle, which will raise money towards sending a number of guides and rangers in West Yorkshire abroad.

Businesses have so far donated gift vouchers, and the guides hope to offer a video camera among other prizes.

Anyone who would like to help by donating a prize can call Chris Simpson on (01274) 590167.